Who We Are
We are Santa Barbara area parents, family, friends, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who celebrate diversity and envision a society that includes and embraces everyone. Leading with love, we provide peer-to-peer support, education, resources, and advocacy for ourselves and our loved ones. We welcome your participation.
We are Part of Something Bigger
Founded in 1973, PFLAG National is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families and those who love them.
MISSION STATEMENT
To create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
VISION STATEMENT
An equitable, inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
VALUES STATEMENT
What we value:
Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other responsible in our work. We communicate transparently, respond timely, set clear boundaries, and take ownership of our actions.
Bravery: We are courageous in word and deed. We advocate boldly, remain steadfast in the face of adversity, make space for vulnerability, and meet people where they are to have challenging conversations.
Community and Collaboration: We lead with love. We center our community, listen with respect and compassion, and derive strength from the collective power of our unified organization.
Inclusivity and Belonging: We ensure PFLAG is a place where everyone belongs. We listen actively, engage with cultural humility, and ensure that the power of diverse people, cultures, and stories are respected and woven through all areas of our work.
Growth: We evolve to ensure PFLAG is strong and current. We approach our work with curiosity, broaden our skills, learn from our mistakes and successes, and adapt to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.
PFLAG SANTA BARBARA IS A TAX-EXEMPT, NONPROFIT 501©3 ORGANIZATION THAT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS GROUP.
Rachel Maddow on the story of PFLAG
More Information About Our Board Coming Soon!
Georgia Noble, President
Georgia Noble, Ed. D, MFT, (she/her/) is one of the founders and current President of PFLAG Santa Barbara. She has a doctorate in education, enjoyed a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 25 years, and is a retreat leader with the Center for Courage & Renewal. Georgia came to PFLAG through the love of her gay son and finds deep meaning in being part of the mission to move equality forward. Her passion is creating hospitable spaces for growth and change.
Charla Bregante
Charla Bregante, M.A. (she/her/hers) is a Unitarian Universalist religious educator. She has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and has worked with children, youth, and families in a variety of settings. Charla began advocating for LGBTQ+ rights during the 1980s AIDS crisis in San Francisco, where she volunteered as a peer support counselor for people with AIDS and their loved ones. Her love for her LGBTQ+ friends and daughter led her to serve on the PFLAG board.
SKY Limon
Sky Limón [habla español], M.S. (they.them.el) is a current board member and passionate about serving on the Latinx Outreach sub committee. Sky earned a BA in Sociology from UCSB and an MS in Communication from Purdue University. They currently serve as the Associate Director for the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at UCSB. Sky came to PFLAG specifically with Latinx parents in mind, to be able to provide education and support so that other LGBTQ+ latinx folks can be embraced and accepted by their cultura y familia.
Nancy Edmundson, Treasurer
Nancy Edmundson, (she/her/hers) locates herself as a cis-gendered, heterosexual white woman, presenting with the grey hair of her 6 decades, and the energy of the decades past! She is one of the founders and current Treasurer of PFLAG Santa Barbara. Her fierce love of children and grandchildren fuel her life-long commitment of building just and equitable communities. She is a retreat leader with the Center for Courage & Renewal and has consulted with faith communities for over 20 years.
Paula lopez (and son, Mateo)
About Paula….
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Ana Maya
About Ana….
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Gary Welterlen
Gary Welterlen (he/him) is a life-long friend and ally of the LGBTIQA+ community. A native New Englander, Gary has called Santa Barbara home since 1998. He is a Realtor and a member of the Real Estate Alliance a non-profit member organization dedicated to empowering the LGBTIQA+ community on their path towards and enjoyment of home ownership. Most importantly, he comes to PFLAG to provide support and encouragement to our greater LGBTIQA+ community to ensure that you do not walk alone in life’s journey.
Karen Rice, Secretary
Karen Rice, PhD (she/her) is a Midwesterner, philosopher, and pastor. Her dissertation was on the ethics of estranged relationships, which is unfortunately relevant to so many people connected to PFLAG. She grew up in a conservative religious community, and as a queer pastor now, she feels passionate about helping folks heal from the woundings that these spaces can cause and move instead toward love and liberation. Karen is excited to be part of PFLAG because there are still so many people in her life who could use a safe and transformative space like this.
Steve Mitchell, Vice-President
About Steve….
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Winky (Helen) Cooper
Winkie’s heart connection to PFLAG started in childhood with her godfathers. She is a mother of a bi-sexual son and a heterosexual son. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice and a full time instructor at Santa Barbara City College in Early Childhood Education.
Dahkotahv Beckham
Dahkotahv Beckham (He/Him/His) AMFT M.A. is a gender-affirming mental health clinician offering in-person and virtual services throughout the state of California. Dahkotahv unfortunately stalled his coming out process after experiencing transphobia in the small town he grew up in. He felt restricted by the societal norms from the early 2000’s. He now helps others gain new perspectives on how to best support the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Dahkotahv guest lectures throughout California state at several universities on LGBTQIA2S+ topics. He loves to do outreach work! Dahkotahv felt called to the PFLAG board after seeing all the amazing work PFLAG is responsible for in Santa Barbara!